Rural Electric Nebraskan - 09/15

September 2015

SUPERIOR QUALITY, MORE CHOICES. YOU ARE WORTH IT!

BUILD BUILD YOURR DREAM DREA AM HOMEE HOM NOW! NOW W! WITH

FREE! FR REE!

YEARS YEARS S WARDCRAFT W ARDCRAFT HOMES SINCE 1971

No matter where we build your home, EVER RY custom Wardcraft home s built to meet energy-efficiency standards for the harshest climate zone.

2015 NEW 2015 6 PA P AGE 116 PAGE CATALOG! CA AT TALOG!

NEW & OPTIONS! Build your new custom home EW PLANS PLA ronger and more efficient.. Over 5,500 homes built in 44 years.

Kohler ox la • Moenn • K ohler • Onyx • Kichler • Lenno x • Sherwin Williams

Standard 32 standard cabinets 700 optional choices

Standar rd Onyx 5 bowl styles and 50 colors

Stockton

THE BETTER WAY TO BUILD Atlanta Alexandria VI

Horton

Gap

Dillon II

Springfield V

Other Builders R-13 to R-20 Wall Insulation Void

Wardcraft Standard R-23 Wall Blown Insulation

What’s Behind the W Walls: alls: Remember when choosing a builder, the one thing you can not go back and change is what is BEHIND your walls. Our insulation fills the wall cavity completey unlike others (see image to the left).

Fullerton

OPEN N HOUSE:: Sa Sat S t October 17th 10-3:00

WARDCRAFT W ARDC ARDCRAFT HOMES 614 14 Maple Cla Clay ay y Ce Center, Center enter r,, KS • 1230 0 E 9th Minden,, NE

1-888-927-3272 • w wardcraft.com ardcraft.com

Volume 69, Number 9, September 2015

“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”

Staff Editor Wayne Price Editorial Assistant Kathy Barkmeier Published by the

Contents Features

Staving Off the Common Cold

6

The concept is simple: heat the flooring and the objects on the floor—the furniture, rugs, carpet, tiles and wood—and they will radiate the warmth into the room. Freelance writer Craig Springer explains the benefits of electric radiant heat.

Visit us at www.nrea.org General Manager Troy Bredenkamp President Randy Papenhausen, Cedar-Knox Public Power District Vice President/Secretary Ron Jensen, Loup Valleys Rural Public Power District

Carbon Free Destinations Pat Pope, President and CEO of Nebraska Public Power District, shares the story on how Nebraska is working to reduce its carbon footprint. More renewable options are being added to the state’s portfolio to meet voluntary goals, and NPPD’s fossill fuel plants are in sound, operational condition.

Treasurer David Keener, Niobrara Electric Association, Inc. Published monthly by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln, Nebraska 68501, (402) 475-4988.

Advertising in the Rural Electric Nebraskan does not imply endorsement for products by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association. Correspondence should be sent to Wayne Price, Editor, Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

The Rural Electric Nebraskan is printed by Quad Graphics, 2300 Brown Ave., Waseca, MN 56093.

Form 3579 should be sent to the Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, Neb. POSTMASTER: send address changes to the Rural Electric Nebraskan, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

Publication numbers are USPS 071-630 and ISSN 0193-4937.

Rates: $10 for one year; $15 for two years; $20 for three years, plus local and state tax.

September 2015

12

Departments EDITOR’S PAGE

4

SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy

20

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by James Dulley

22

RECIPES

24

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS

26

On the cover Kreyton Wiese rides on the Southwest Public Power District float in a parade in Wauneta, Neb. He is the son of Nicole and Shad Wiese. Shad is a crew chief at Southwest PPD. See the related article on page 10. Photograph by Colyn Suda.

3

EDITOR’S PAGE

What the Clean Power Plan means for you he debate on the science of climate change is likely not going to be settled in the next few years. Hey, I still remember when it was referred to as “global warming” and the melting polar ice cap was going to doom us all. Now it’s called “climate change” so it can explain everything from extreme hot temps to cataclysmic snow storms to basically any sort of weather phenomenon that occurs.

Scientists can’t seem to agree if it is real or not. So depending on which source of news you turn to, your own opinion on the validity of climate change might be different than the person next to you. I tend to be a skeptic of climate change. But then, I’m skeptical about a lot of things. It’s just who I am.

Folks that aren’t as skeptical about climate change work at the Environmental Protection Agency and the Sierra Club. On August 3 EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy announced the EPA’s Clean Power Plan on emissions from existing power plants which will give each state a numerical target for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants. However, the overall 2030 target of 32 percent has been upped from an earlier 30 percent target. Nebraska’s goal is to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030.

The Nebraska Sierra Club released this statement, “Nebraska has an opportunity to take advantage of our state’s vast renewable resources, like wind and solar. We know the power of clean energy because clean energy is already taking off in Nebraska. Omaha and Lincoln have shown the way by their commitment to ramp up renewable energy significantly by 2016, and project that these clean energy investments will provide significant savings for their customerowners.”

I would agree that renewable resources have their place in Nebraska’s energy resource mix but to expect wind and solar to replace electricity generated with coal and consumers to not see a significant cost increase is just plain silly. The plan is estimated to cost about $8.4 billion in compliance alone.

The EPA has stated they will set up a new

T

by Wayne Price

4

fund to help states build renewable energy projects to ease the transition to alternative energy sources. That will mostly cut into coal generation, which is expected drop to just 27 percent of the U.S. energy mix by 2030 as coal plants shut down or retool in response to the changes.

Nebraska is probably in a good position with the low level of wind development. We will have the potential to add more wind to the generation mix to meet the emission goals. There is currently around 400 megawatts of electricity generation available by wind in the state. On the day the EPA announcement was made the electric output from Nebraska’s wind turbines was less than 200 megawatts while Gerald Gentleman, a coal powered plant near Sutherland, Neb., generated 1,300 megawatts. Looks like we’re going to need a lot more wind turbines on the horizon.

NRECA CEO Jo Ann Emerson said the nation’s public power districts and electric cooperatives remain concerned that the regulations go too far and too fast at the expense of affordable and reliable electricity.

“The EPA exceeds its authority under the Clean Air Act and this rule is certain to raise the price of electricity,” Emerson said. “Any increase in the cost of electricity most dramatically impacts those who can least afford it, and the fallout from the EPA’s rule will cascade across the nation for years to come.”

Experts say the regulations could be facing years of court challenges. Nebraska’s Attorney General Doug Peterson will join other states in challenging the EPA rule.

McCarthy said the way the rule is designed puts it on solid legal footing. I guess time will tell who wins that battle.

Should the court challenge fail, implementation plans will be due by September 2016. States that need more time can request an extension of up to two years.

States that don’t develop their own plans will have to follow a federal version.

The skeptic in me thinks that all this is likely to change a few more times before the final outcome.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Save the Search and the Cost of Individual Charms!

Embellished with Genuine Swarovski Crystals

It’s all put together and ready to wear, featuring over a dozen individual hand-crafted charms

Lavishly Plated with Sterling Silver

The Nebraska Cornhuskers® have won the loyalty and respect of avid fans for years, establishing themselves as a top contender in NCAA Division I sports.

Now they are poised for another season of greatness. So show your pride for the team you love—this year and every year—with a stunning new jewelry creation—the “Go Cornhuskers® #1 Fan Charm Bracelet,” only from The Bradford Exchange.

Exclusive Design… Stunning Craftsmanship

Officially licensed, this fun and fashionable charm bracelet features 13 magnificently hand-crafted charms gleaming with precious sterling silver plating and genuine Swarovski crystals. Individual charms include a hanging Nebraska Cornhuskers® pennant flag in red and black enamel with sterling silver plating and Swarovski crystal accents, and a heart charm that shows off the

Cornhuskers® official logo. The charms move freely and are interchangeable, too. A stunning 7½" sterling silver-plated bracelet completes the look.

Limited-time Offer; Order Today!

Save the search for individual charms, and the cost! We’ve put together the perfect way to show your Cornhuskers® pride! Complete with a velvet jewelry pouch, gift box and Certificate of Authenticity, this “charming” bracelet is a remarkable value at $119*, payable in 4 easy monthly installments of $29.75 each, and backed by our unconditional 120-day guarantee. To reserve yours, send no money now; just mail the Reservation Application today!

www.bradfordexchange.com/14190 The indicia featured on this product are protected trademarks of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Cornhuskers®.

©2015 The Bradford Exchange 01-14190-001-BI

LIMITED-TIME OFFER Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Respond as soon as possible to reserve your “Go Cornhuskers® #1 Fan Charm Bracelet.”

RESERVATION APPLICATION

SEND NO MONEY NOW Signature Mrs. Mr. Ms. Name (Please Print Clearly)

9345 Milwaukee Avenue · Niles, IL 60714-1393

YES. Please reserve the Go Cornhuskers® #1 Fan Charm

Address City

Bracelet for me as described in this announcement.

State

Shown actual size

*Plus $9.98 shipping and service. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of your jewelry after we receive your initial deposit. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance. Product subject to change.

Zip

E-Mail (Optional)

01-14190-001-E66201

Staving Off the Common Cold Radiant floor heat may be the cure

by Craig Springer

6

ou could call it the cure for the common cold — cold floors, cold feet and cold houses. Electric radiant floor heat may not be well known in the heating industry, and most especially among consumers, but it is not necessarily the newest concept.

You might say it’s been around a while, at least since the Roman Empire. The concept is simple: heat the flooring and the objects on the floor—the furniture, rugs, carpet, tiles and wood—and they will radiate the warmth into the room. Heat, after all, radiates toward cooler surfaces.

Here’s an example. Grab your hot coffee mug. You can feel the heat from the hot brew not only rising, but also radiating from the sides and the bottom. Radiant energy is a transfer of heat to a cooler surface, in this case with your hot brew, into your hands holding the cup. While heated air rises, the heat itself—the energy— radiates in any direction but always

Y

toward a cooler surface.

Your comfort in the home relies not only on the temperature of the air around you, but radiant heat transfer.

In the pangs of winter, your forced-air furnace blows warm air on you, but your feet are cold. That’s because heated air rises, and the coolest air swirls about your toes. Radiant heat delivers controlled comfortable heat without air ducts, dust, and noisy furnaces where it matters most— where you live in your home—not at eight feet above the floor near the ceiling.

Electric radiant heat is installed in a number of ways in the flooring via cables, mats, films, or mesh netting, all with a heating element. Through much of the 20th century, hot-water wall radiators were popular for heating homes. You can still find them in old homes, most often as a visual relict or a makeshift plant stand. But with the advent of air conditioning, heated forced-air was delivered

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Left: A technician lays tile over a heating mesh under a bathroom floor. Photograph provided by Watts Water Technologies Above: This bathroom features radiant heat under the tiles and a towel warmer. Photograph provided

by Warmly Yours Radiant Inc.

through the same air conditioning ducts, and soon took over and remains dominant.

But radiant heat is seeing a resurgence. The square footage of homes heated in the United States by electric radiant heat is increasing at a steady rate. “About five percent per year,” says Mark Eatherton, executive director of the Radiant Professionals Alliance. “Among new housing starts, five percent more homes each year are heated by radiant heat.” This steady growth should be no surprise according to Eatherton.

“It’s economical. It’s easy to install. It’s reliable.”

For additions to a home, electric panels can be laid easily beneath the flooring. There’s no furnace, and there’s no limitation on the flooring type. You can use it under wood, tile or natural stone.

The benefits of radiant heat extends to heating your home where and when you need it. The heating systems can

September 2015

be set on programmable thermostats to economize on energy consumption.

Moreover, you can heat the rooms by zoning, heating where you need it when you want it.

While electric radiant panels can be

Radiant heat is seeing a resurgence in the United States. used to heat an entire house, you can also use the technology to heat small problem areas, like a cold bathroom, a kitchen, or drafty sewing room. With the diversity of products and applications, there’s virtually no limit to where the technology can be used.

Electric radiant heat in particular solves heating problems for additions and remodels where removing the existing heating source or tapping into

it isn’t practical.

And, that’s where I recently found myself, facing the problem of heating a new home-office addition but not being able to tap into the existing hydronic radiant heat—a system of water-filled tubes in the foundation heated by a natural-gas boiler. The choices for the addition were few.

There was forced-air, but that’s loud and dusty and the office would be too much like a motel room heater. A wood stove had potential, but like the forced-air heaters, dust was a concern.

Baseboard heaters were too bulky, limited furniture placement and reduced usable square-footage in the new abode.

So here's what we did: research.

And that led us to a suite of products developed in Europe and South Africa.

Under the hickory floor of the new home-office lies a one-twelfth-inchPlease turn to page 8

7

Radiant heat From page 6 thick heating pad called an Environ II made by Warmly Yours. The heat source is an ultra-slim four-layer film of foil, literally rolled out over an underlayment. For do-it-yourself homeowners, it’s a product of merit.

It’s warm, quiet, and takes up no space at all, save for a programable thermostat on the wall. These products integrate well with several programable thermostats operated via your home’s wi-fi, such as the popular Nest thermostat.

Other radiant heat sources include mats, films, some installed in the concrete, between joists, and others laid directly under carpet or wood floors. The technology is really starting to catch on in the United States. Through the Scandinavian countries you’ll see electric radiant heat quite prevalent. The Nordics even use it to melt ice outside.

Water-based hydronic radiant heat can be cost-prohibitive up front.

Plumbing and boilers and slurry to cap the piping system are expensive.

An electric floor warming system can

be put under most floors without major investments.

Not only does electric radiant heat have a benefit on your pocket book, there are other benefits to using this new technology to heat your home.

Without forced-air heating, you’ll see a reduction in allergens, pollutants and dust blowing through your house.

Floor warming can reduce dust mite infestations by as much as 80 percent.

For allergy sufferers, that’s significant.

There are no vents, no drafts, no loud furnaces or boilers, and no unsightly vents to hide with curtains, and fewer limitations on furniture placement.

According to the Radiant Professionals Alliance, you could see a reduction in cost of utilities by using radiant heat over more common heating methods. You’re not forcing air out windows and doors, you are not heating air, you are heating objects— your floor and furnishings are the radiators where you walk.

Before you buy, be sure to have a proper system designed, and make sure the product can be used for your specific floor coverings. With radiant heat, you’re not spending money on air above your head, and you get to keep humid air in your house instead of drying it out with forced air.

An electric floor warming system can be put under most floors without major investments. You can use it under wood, tile, or natural stone.

Photographs provided by Watts Water Technologies

8

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Electric bill scam strikes again t has happened again in Norfolk.

A phone scam in which business owners and residents are falsely threatened their electricity will be shut off if they do not pay their electric bill immediately with a prepaid, “Greendot” card.

I

the state. This deceitful scheme may not be isolated to just larger communities,” said Tweedy. “We expect similar calls may begin occurring in some other Nebraska towns, including towns served by NPPD such as Kearney, York, and

Scottsbluff.

If an individual or business not served by NPPD receives a call demanding payment on their electric bill, they are encouraged to contact their local electric provider to check on their account before making any attempt to pay.

Source: Nebraska Public Power District

The ruse Individuals, posing as representatives of the local power company – in this case, the Nebraska Public Power District - tell the customer they are overdue on their electric bill and must pay up within 20 minutes or be disconnected.

They are then instructed to purchase pre-paid cards in order to make immediate payment.

Several businesses in the Norfolk area, including restaurants, were unfortunate victims of the deception today with the calls coming at busy times of a company’s operation.

NPPD’s practice “NPPD does not do business this way,” said NPPD’s Customer Care Business Manager Robyn Tweedy. “If a customer is overdue on their electric bill and subject to disconnection, it will be printed on their monthly bill with instructions on what they can do to settle the account. They should call the number printed on the bill, NOT the phone number of the individual making the phone request.”

Customers who receive such a call should not attempt to make any payment and contact local law enforcement and NPPD’s Centralized Customer Care Center at 1-877-ASKNPPD (877-275-6773) to report the request.

The malicious practice has affected many utilities, in addition to NPPD. It has also happened in other states, and has occurred as recently in Nebraska, as April of this year. Based upon past history, other communities across the state could be targeted within the next few weeks.

“Once the public recognizes the ploy, the scammers will take advantage of another community in

September 2015

9

Community We are involved in our communities ebraska’s rural electric member systems work hard to provide electric service to the most rural areas of our state.

We deliver a constant supply of electricity to your home or business at rates that are 15 percent below the national average. Beyond your electric service, our employees are connected to the communities they serve. We care deeply about the communities we work in and devote time and energy to make sure our small towns continue to thrive.

Whether it’s installing storm warning sirens, helping coach the tball team, packing meals for those in need, or serving on the volunteer fire department, our employees are actively engaged in our home communities.

Volunteer firefighters and EMTs give us everything they have with no more than a pat on the back for a job well done. They don’t do it for the glory; they do it for their neighbors, family, friends and even complete strangers. They help make up a strong foundation within our communities.

Dawson PPD is proud to count a few of these volunteers as employees.

N

Lexington Volunteer Fire Dept.

For tree crew foreman, Jon Robles, volunteering is all about helping others out and being a part of the community.

“What if it was your house on fire, or your loved one in an accident?” he said. “You would hope that someone would be there to help.

From left- Dawson employees Trent Trampe, Jon Robles, and Blake Baldwin. Photograph by Chelsea Gengenbach “Dawson PPD is 100 percent on board with its employees volunteering as firefighters and EMTs,” Robles continued. “We all live in small towns, too, and understand that if you don’t have volunteers, you don’t have anything.”

Robles joined the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department in 2002.

The fire department consists of about 40 members who responded to more than 600 calls in 2013.

Their territory includes Interstate 80; the source of the majority of the calls.

Robles also serves as an EMT along with 24 other volunteers. The fire department has two

Nebraska’s electric rates are among the top 15 lowest in the U.S.

10

ambulances.

One of the best experiences Robles has as a volunteer is the comradery among the group.

“You won’t find a better group of guys. They become a second family,” he said. “Just like at Dawson PPD when working around electricity, you rely on your crew to look out for you. I know that these guys have my back.”

Amherst Volunteer Fire Department / Sumner Rescue Unit Trent Trampe, Dawson PPD maintenance lineman from the Sumner service center, has been a volunteer firefighter since 2000 for the Amherst Volunteer Fire

Visit the website at: www.workingfornebraska.org Rural Electric Nebraskan

Department. Within the past two years he has also served as an EMT with the Sumner Rescue Unit. The Amherst Volunteer Fire Department has 24 members and responds to about 40 calls a year.

For five years, Trampe served as the fire chief. He stepped down from his position in December 2013 to spend more time with his family.

“The chief is responsible for everyone’s safety,” he said. “You need to make sure that everyone knows their role and when to call for mutual aid.”

The chief is also responsible for a lot of administrative tasks and fundraisers to support the department. Two years ago, the Amherst department had a new fire hall built as the old building no longer met the department’s needs.

With all of the roles held as chief, Trampe dedicated anywhere from 10-60 hours each month of his time.

“Being a volunteer is a huge commitment and you’re not compensated for it,” he said. “But I think everyone has to do their part for the community. My family and friends are here, and I want to make sure that someone is coming when 911 is called.”

Hershey Volunteer Fire Dept.

North Platte maintenance lineman and rookie volunteer firefighter Blake Baldwin first became interested in volunteering while responding to fires on the job.

“As a lineman, we have to be

September 2015

Southwest employees help pack food for the Mercy Meals organization in Wauneta, Neb. Photograph by Colyn Suda present to shut off the power and help investigate the cause of the fire,” he said. “I wanted to do more than that.”

Baldwin joined the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department in 2013.

The department has about 25 members.

Since his training, he’s noticed a lot of similarities between his job and volunteer work that meshes well together.

“I know the territory well, it is similar to Dawson PPD’s territory lines,” he said. “It’s helpful when directing the firefighters to the location of the fire.”

The ability to shut off power at the scene quickly has its advantages, too.

In all, helping out is simply in his

nature.

“Whether it’s getting the power back on after a storm or putting out a fire, I enjoy helping others out when they need me,” he said.

Mercy Meals For the second consecutive year, Southwest Public Power District employees volunteered to help pack nourishing food for the Mercy Meals organization in Wauneta Nebraska. On May 11th seventeen employees, board members and family helped pack over 2200 packages containing over 13,210 servings which were shipped to needy families.

Mercy Meals is a 100 percent volunteer organization who’s mission is to not only satisfy the physical needs of the hungry but to minister to their spiritual needs by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The employees of SWPPD are proud to donate their time to such a worthy cause.

For more information go to www.mercymealsofsouthwestnebra ska.org.

Chelsea Gengenbach and Colyn Suda contributed to this article.

11

Youth Leadership Council members visit NRECA annah Smith of Brunswick, Neb. joined dozens of young electric cooperative members from across the United States as she made her second visit to the nation’s capital in as many months. As members of NRECA’s Youth Leadership Council, they are learning about opportunities to help their communities and local electric utilities in the years ahead.

“Get involved in your community and try to make a difference there,” NRECA CEO Jo Ann Emerson told YLC members during a visit to her office in Arlington, Virginia. “Build a reputation for doing things that are not at all self-serving, but are selfless.”

Emerson urged the young people to look for common interests with others when confronting challenges in order to work out meaningful solutions.

She spent more than 30 minutes fielding questions from YLC members who arrived in Washington for leadership training and

H

orientation.

Smith, 17, was selected to represent Nebraska on the NRECA Youth Leadership Council during the Youth Tour trip, held in June. She is a member of North Central Public Power District.

During the next year, Smith will

represent the Nebraska Rural Electric Association at events and at the 2016 NRECA annual meeting next February in New Orleans, Lousiana.

As part of their three-day visit, 44 YLC members heard from senior representatives of NRECA’s legislative and political affairs staffs.

They were also briefed by representatives of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp. and the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative.

“For over 50 years, the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has brought the best and brightest to Washington,” said Laura Vogel, NRECA’s senior grassroots advisor.

“YLC gives the best of the best the opportunity to dive deeper into the importance of public power districts and electric cooperatives, allowing participants to better understand why they give back to their communities and how to get involved.”

Source: Electric Co-op Today

Outdoor lighting brings added value to rural homes mong the many advantages that electricity offers, lighting is one of the most visible, and marketable. A well illuminated home or business adds value for the consumer in three ways: • Safety - to avoid personal injury when working after dark, and damage to property when moving cars or machinery around buildings.

Accidents can be prevented by illuminating uneven walkways or items left in the yard or driveway.

• Security - to help deter vandalism, and discourage prowlers.

• Productivity - lighting extends the workday beyond sundown. It also allows tasks to be completed more quickly after dark, and adds convenience in opening doors or checking around the property.

A

14

The following recommendations apply to not only the modern homesite, but also to farmsteads, and rural businesses such as warehouses, self-storage facilities, and greenhouses.

• Specific placement of lights will be different at any particular site, but here are some general guidelines.

• To illuminate large areas around buildings, fuel storage, or parking lots, use high pressure sodium fixtures mounted 15 to 25 feet high, depending on the bulb wattage.

Provide one to three foot-candles of light, and don't try to illuminate multiple areas with just one light.

• Light entrance doors, gates, or other locked areas with motionsensor lights. These motion-activated fixtures have two advantages. The

first is security. The “instant on” feature startles trespassers, which can greatly reduce vandalism and theft. Secondly, the brighter, more concentrated light level helps in finding locks, and maneuvering oversized equipment through gates.

The “automatic off ” feature also saves energy.

• Decorative yard lights, mounted atop 6 foot poles are good for walkways from the home to a garage or outbuilding. These fixtures also enhance the home’s appearance after dark. Using LED bulbs, suitable for outdoor temperatures, saves energy and reduces the number of bulb change outs.

Source: National Food & Energy Council

Rural Electric Nebraskan

EVEN THREE IS A CROWD.

NEVER OVERLOAD OUTLETS. Helping members use electricity safely, that’s the power of your co-op membership.

Learn more from the experts themselves at TogetherWeSave.com.

Give your HVAC system a tune-up before winter

T

his summer has been another extremely hot one. Heat from the sun not only drives up the air temperature, it warms the surfaces of our homes and will move to the interior via convection, conduction and radiation. The inside temperature of a home can quickly match the outdoor temperature due to this law of nature.

But thanks to air conditioning, we can create comfort within our homes and catch a break from this byproduct of summer. However, the cool, crisp air we enjoy by this modern convenience causes the meter to chalk up additional kilowatt-hours. Here are some smart energy tips to help increase your comfort while managing your electric bill: • Although this may sound like a broken record, I cannot express enough the importance of a periodic heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system tune-up.

Manufacturers’ suggested timeframes might vary, but it’s probably time if you cannot remember your last tune-up. Also, be sure to ask the contractor to inspect

16

the ductwork as well. An HVAC system that operates at optimum performance will provide the comfort you expect, plus you’ll be using energy wisely while managing the kilowatts required for operation. As a reminder, our HVAC systems generally make up 50 percent of the total electric bill.

• Perhaps your HVAC unit is on its last leg and you’ve been contemplating installing a new system. The good news is today’s air conditioners and heat pumps are even more energy efficient than their predecessors. If replacement is in your future, be sure to look for a contractor who understands building science and will run a computergenerated load calculation for your home. The software used by HVAC processionals removes any guesswork and accurately sizes the unit required to heat and cool your home. A properly sized system provides optimum comfort while using less energy to operate.

• Now is the time to replace the HVAC system return-air filter. Many homes have more than one, so be sure

to change all of them. Clogged filters inhibit proper airflow and can cause premature wear and tear on your system. I suggest changing them monthly or as needed. Be sure to ask your HVAC professional if you plan to use HEPA or heavy-pleated filters to make sure they will work with your system.

• If you have a fireplace or woodstove, make sure to close the damper. An open damper is similar to having an open window. Speaking of windows, if your home has doublehung (windows that open at both top and bottom) construction, make sure both top and bottom sashes are closed, and locked. If left unlocked, it’s not uncommon for the top sash to drop, or open at the top.

• If you have an older home, some insulating products are prone to settle. Have an insulation contractor inspect the insulation level in your attic. If necessary, an additional layer of cellulose insulation applied over the existing insulation will thwart unwanted heat gain in the summer and keep your home warmer in the winter.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Don’t fall victim to energy scams

by T.J. Kirk

cross the U.S., cases of fraud and identity theft are at alltime highs. In 2014 alone, there were over 40,000 cases of phone- or utilities-related fraud, or 118 cases every day. Energy scams are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent, and it’s possible for anyone to be tricked by them. The best way to stay safe is to be aware of some of the common ploys, be suspicious of free energy claims and to contact your public power district or electric cooperative if anything seems amiss.

A

Phone scams In summer of 2012, thousands of consumers from coast-to-coast, including consumers at public power districts and electric cooperatives, fell prey to a telephone scam promising bogus help with energy bills. The criminals claimed that President Obama had authorized a special federal program to pay electric bills.

Then, they asked each victim to provide personal information, such as a bank routing number or a Social Security number to receive the payment. Although this particular

18

scam has run its course, scammers are always coming up with new stories to steal consumers’ personal information.

Email We’ve all come to realize that today is not the day a Nigerian prince gives us his fortune, but many people don’t realize how much more sophisticated scam emails have become. Many of these emails will mimic emails from legitimate sources and contain personal information such as your name, address, bank name and more.

Unfortunately this information is not difficult to find and can make otherwise sensible people send back sensitive information or click a link in the email. If you open an email that you suspect is a scam or asks for private information, you can always call your utility to confirm its authenticity. Just don’t click the link first.

Door to door Even in the digital age, there are still scams being perpetuated face to face.

Typically these scams target the elderly or people who may not speak English well, who may be easier to intimidate. Claiming to be from the utility (or associated in some way), they will tell you that something is

wrong (bill past due, equipment missing or broken) and that you need to pay them money immediately or be disconnected. Public power districts and electric cooperatives do not demand payment like this in the field and do not go to a member’s house unless there is a scheduled appointment. Again, if you want to check if the person at your door is a utility employee, call your local electric utility.

Product scams We’ve all been taught that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This is almost always the case with “miracle” devices that claim to reduce energy use without providing a sensible explanation for how they work. In May 2008, the Texas Office of Attorney General took legal action against a firm offering the Xpower Energy Saver or Mega Power Saver – a $300 small gray box that plugged into an electrical outlet at your home and promised to cut electric bills by 10 percent. Testing by the University of Texas in Austin revealed these devices couldn’t deliver their promised savings. The lab also revealed that the products are, in reality, ordinary capacitors. Capacitors are regularly used by electricians, and they can be purchased for less than $20. While this gadget is now off the market, you can be sure that similar products will spring up to take its place.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

NEW ARRIVAL!

The Willow

4 BEDROOM 2 BATH OVER 2,000 SQ. FT.

308-382-3866 2318 Kent Avenue 800-792-4539 Grand Island, NE 68803 Open 8-5 Monday-Friday

Saturdays 10-3

Sunday By Appointment

SAFETY BRIEFS

Send kids off to college with electric safety knowledge efore heading to college, students need equipped with supplies for their dorm rooms and important knowledge for living on their own—including electrical safety knowledge.

Many colleges across the U.S. ban cooking appliances from on-campus housing including: hot plates, coffee makers, and microwaves; and many of these places may already have a designated area for the use of the products.

Safe Electricity offers tips for students to help prevent and reduce the risk of electrical fires in student housing: • Only purchase and use electrical products tested for safety. Some common approved safety labels include UL, CSA, and MET. • Avoid overloading extension cords, power strips, or outlets.

• Use power strips with an overcurrent protector that will shut off power automatically if there is too much current being drawn.

• Never tack or nail an electrical cord to any surface or run cords across traffic paths or under rugs where they can be trampled or damaged.

B

20

• Use the correct wattage light bulbs for lamps and fixtures. If no indication is on the product, do not use a bulb with more than 60 watts. Use cooler, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

• Make sure outlets around sinks are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) before use. If they are not, contact the resident assistant, camping housing staff, or

landlord.

• Unplug small appliances when not in use and all electronics when away for extended periods.

• Smoke detectors should never be disabled, and fire alarms should never be ignored or taken casually as a drill.

Every time a fire alarm sounds, residents should calmly and quickly follow practiced procedures and immediately exit the building.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”

— J. Fitzgerald, VA

Easy-to-use remotes for massage/heat and recline/lift

Complete with battery backup in case of power outage

Our Perfect Sleep Chair® is just the chair to do it all.

It’s a chair, true – the finest of lift chairs – but this chair is so much more! It’s designed to provide total comfort and relaxation not found in other chairs. It can’t be beat for comfortable, long-term sitting, TV viewing, relaxed reclining and – yes! – peaceful sleep. Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of positions, including the Trendelenburg position and the zero gravity position where your body experiences a minimum of internal and external stresses.

You’ll love the other benefits, too: It helps with correct spinal alignment, promotes back pressure relief, and This lift chair encourages better posture to puts you safely prevent back and muscle pain. on your feet!

And there’s more! The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. The high and low heat settings along with the dozens of massage settings, can provide a soothing relaxation you might get at a spa – just imagine getting all that in a lift chair! Shipping charge includes white glove delivery.

Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away!

Includes one year service warranty and your choice of fabrics and colors. If you’re not 100% satisfied simply return the chair within 30 days for a refund of the product purchase price. – Call now! ®

The Perfect Sleep Chair

Call now toll free for our lowest price.

Please mention code 100974 when ordering.

1-888-714-1920 Long Lasting DuraLux Leather

Tan

Burgundy Cashmere

Fern

Chocolate Burgundy

Chocolate Indigo

DuraLux II Microfiber © 2015 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

46383

We’ve all had nights when we just can’t lie down in bed and sleep, whether it’s from heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – it could be a variety of reasons. Those are the nights we’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in, one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises feet and legs to precisely the desired level, supports the head and shoulders properly, operates easily even in the dead of night, and sends a hopeful sleeper right off to dreamland.

Sit up, lie down — and anywhere in between!

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS

Understanding home heat loss and heat gain

by James Dulley

I plan to make a few efficiency Q :improvements to my home and hire a contractor for the job. I would like a better understanding of how a home loses and gains heat so that I am not persuaded into unnecessary projects. Can you help? : It never hurts to be as informed

A as possible about the projects you are considering. Using just a few of the proper terms and displaying some knowledge can keep a contractor from attempting anything unnecessary or unethical. Keep in mind, you will not know if the improvements helped until next year's utility bills arrive.

There are many DIY books about efficiency improvements, which would be a great starting point. Each home is unique though, so what some books recommend in general may not provide the best payback for your specific living space.

The most common misconception about a home is that heat rises. Heat does not actually rise. Instead, heat, which is a form of energy, flows equally in all directions. What does rise is warm air because it is less dense than cool air. This is important to keep in mind when determining where, how much and what types of insulation to use for various areas of your home.

The basic types of heat flow, out of your home during winter or into it during summer, are conduction, convection, radiation and air infiltration (leakage). Conduction is probably the most common type. This is how the handle on a cup gets hot from the coffee, or how heat flows through the wood studs inside the walls.

The amount of heat lost or gained

22

from conduction is primarily a function of the temperature difference (also called ^T) between the indoor and outdoor surfaces of an outside wall. If the outdoor temperature drops so that the temperature difference is twice as large, twice as much heat will be lost through the wall. This is why setting the thermostat lower during winter or higher during summer saves energy.

The handle of a cast iron skillet gets hot by conductive heat transfer through the cast iron metal.

Photograph by James Dulley The insulation level of a home also affects heat loss. If the insulation Rvalue is doubled, the amount of heat loss is cut in half.

Convection refers to heat flow from a fluid, such as air or water, moving over a surface. The heat lost by convection will also double if the temperature difference doubles, but it will increase even more as the air blows faster. This is what causes a wind chill factor during winter months.

Radiation is heat flow, which moves through space or air. This is how the sun warms us. Just as it warms you, your home also loses

radiant heat to the outdoors, especially on a clear cold night.

Radiant heat flow is different in that when the temperature difference is doubled, the heat flow increases by 16 times. On a clear night, outer space is minus 460 degrees Fahrenheit, so the heat loss increases dramatically. You may have noticed how chilly you feel standing by a window at night. On a summer afternoon, a black shingle roof can easily reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which radiates heat down through the insulation and the ceiling.

Now that you have this background knowledge, make a list of problem areas, such as a persistently chilly room. If the room is located on the northwest side of the home, convection losses and air infiltration from winter winds could be a factor. Erecting some type of windbreak – a privacy fence or even planting evergreen trees – can help.

Since heat moves down as well as up, check the lumber band joist, which rests on the foundation. If it is not insulated, which is not uncommon, much heat can be lost by conduction moving out of it. If this is the case, I recommend insulating the joint. While the insulation is being installed, caulk where the joist rests on the top of the foundation. This spot is often uneven and leaks air.

Installing shades and closing them at night can block the direct radiant heat flow to the cold night sky or from the hot afternoon sun. This is much less expensive than installing new windows. Have low-emissivity, reflective foil stapled under the roof rafters. This dramatically reduces the radiant heat flow downward on hot summer afternoons.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Rural Electric Nebraskan, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

A Timeless

Own the first-ever

Chevy Bel Air™ Cuckoo Clock

American Classic

Hurry! to Limited only 10,000!

At the top of every hour, the “garage” light turns on to reveal a sculptural 1957 Chevy Bel Air accompanied by the sound of an engine revving

Hand-crafted wooden cuckoo features the '55, '56 and '57 Bel Air and a speedometer-inspired clock face

Hand-painted, high-gloss finish with gleaming accents and sculpted “tail fins”

2 T FEE H G HI

Shown much smaller than actual size of 24 inches tall, including hanging pendulum and weights.

Accurate quartz movement powers the swinging metal pendulum bearing the Chevrolet logo

Requires 2 “D” batteries and 1 “AA” battery, not included.

www.bradfordexchange.com/belair ©2013 BGE RESERVATION APPLICATION

Act now to acquire your officially licensed clock for five convenient installments of only $49.99, for a total of $249.95*. Your purchase is backed by our unconditional 365-day money-back guarantee. Send no money now. Just mail the Reservation Application today, or you could miss out!

01-12886-001-BIS

SEND NO MONEY NOW

9345 Milwaukee Avenue · Niles, IL 60714-1393

YES.

Please reserve the Bel Air™ Cuckoo Clock for me as described in this announcement.

Please Respond Promptly Limit: one per order.

Mrs. Mr. Ms.

25-6302-51701

Name (Please Print Clearly)

Cuckoo Clock is a GM Official Licensed Product

Address City State

Zip

01-12886-001-E66291

General Motors Trademarks used under license to The Bradford Exchange ©2013

*Plus $27.99 shipping and service. Limited-edition presentation restricted to 10,000 clocks. Please allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance.

Down Home Recipes

Breakfast tips for back to school success daily breakfast leads to not only better overall nutrition, but better school performance as well. A simple breakfast at home or school can ensure that your child doesn’t start the day hungry. It also ensures that your child has the nutrients and energy he or she needs during the morning to concentrate on learning.

Research shows that kids who eat a morning meal have better memory, attention and behavior, and score higher on tests.

Eating a nutritious breakfast is a great way for children to be on target to meet their daily needs for key nutrients, like calcium – the bone-building mineral found in milk, cheese or yogurt. Children who don’t eat breakfast also are less likely to get all of the essential nutrients they need each day to thrive.

Dairy and breakfast go hand in hand. Dairy delivers a unique package of nine essential nutrients in a variety of tasty and affordable options, and dairy protein helps supports healthy muscles while keeping young tummies feeling full until the next meal.

With so many types of milk, cheese and yogurt to choose from, it’s easy for every family member to find their favorite way to start the day with a healthy dose of dairy. Try these ideas to boost school success: • Build a yogurt parfait or whip up a yogurt smoothie, such as this Peach-Mango and Cereal Smoothie.

• Eat pizza for breakfast; it’s sure to put a smile on your kids’ faces.

• Build a breakfast burrito bar so kids can create the breakfast they love. Prepare toppings the night before and in the morning, scramble the eggs and warm the tortillas.

Source: Midwest Dairy Association

A

24

Peach-Mango & Cereal Smoothie 1 container (6 ounces) fat-free peach or pineapple yogurt 1/2 cup whole grain cereal 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen sliced peaches or mango chunks 1 cup fat-free milk 1/2 cup ice, if desired Peach or pineapple slices, additional mango chunks and additional cereal, if desired

In blender, place first 5 ingredients. Cover; blend on high speed about 30 seconds or until smooth. To serve, wet the rims of 2 glasses with a peach or pineapple slice, and divide smoothie between glasses. Garnish with mango chunks and whole pieces of cereal on rim of each glass. Serve immediately.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Reader Submitted Recipes

Cheesy Chicken Pockets 4 8 4 12-16

Gyro Brat Hoagie Sauce: 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream 1/2 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper, optional 1 package (19 ounces) Johnsonville Original Bratwurst 1 loaf French bread 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced Heat oven to 350째F. Combine sauce ingredients in bowl; cover and refrigerate until serving.

Grill brats according to package directions. When cool enough to handle, cut into 1/4-inch bias slices.

Slice French bread lengthwise and transfer to baking sheet. Arrange brat slices on bread bottom. Bake for 10 minutes or until bread is lightly browned.

Remove from oven. Top with sauce, onion and tomato. Cut hoagie and serve.

Source: Johnsonville

boneless, skinless breasts thin slices deli ham or prosciutto tablespoons gorgonzola or mozzarella cheese toothpicks Plastic wrap 9 x 9 inch baking pan sprayed with cooking spray Meat mallet Plastic cutting board

Sauce: 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Rinse chicken breasts, pat dry and pound with a meat mallet until each breast is about 1/8 inch thickness. Put 2 slices of ham or prosciutto on the flattened chicken breast. Put 1 tablespoon of gorgonzola or mozzarella cheese in the middle. Fold up all four corners of the chicken and stick 4-5 toothpicks through to secure and hold the cheese inside. Repeat on all chicken breasts. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter, lemon juice, and Worcestershire together to make the sauce. Put the chicken rolls in a 9 x 9 baking pan sprayed with cooking spray. Then spoon 1/2 of the sauce over them. Bake 20-25 minutes (or until cooked through) at 350 degrees. Boil the remaining sauce in the microwave and pour over chicken when serving.

Lisa Toner, Grand Island, Nebraska

Banana Split Cream Pie 1 1/4 1/2 1/3 2 3 2 1 1 2

cup graham crackers crumbs cup butter or margarine melted cup finely chopped walnuts tablespoons sugar packages (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix cups milk (16 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed cup plus 2 tablespoons hot fudge sauce from a jar bananas cut into 1/4 inch thick slices Maraschino cherries and chopped walnuts, optional

Coat a 9 inch pie pan with cooking spray. In a bowl combine crumbs, butter, walnuts, and sugar. Use a measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass press mixture onto bottom and up side of pan. Refrigerate. Whisk together dry pudding mixes and milk. Fold in 1/2 of whipped topping. Spread 1/2 cup fudge sauce over bottom of crust. Top with 1/2 of banana slices. Evenly spread 1/2 of pudding mixture over slices. Microwave 1/2 cup remaining fudge sauce until softened, 10-15- seconds; spread over pudding. Top with remaining banana slices and pudding. If desired, transfer 1 cup topping to pastry bag fitted with large star tip. Spread pie top with remaining topping. Transfer remaining fudge sauce to plastic sandwich bag.

Microwave until softened, 5-10 seconds, Snip corner; drizzle over pie; pipe rosettes around edge of pie; garnish with cherries and walnuts, if desired. Makes 12 servings.

Mona Mousel, Edison, Nebraska August 2015

25

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS General Manager Butler Public Power District David City, Neb. The Board of Directors of Butler Public Power District (BPPD), located in David City, is seeking qualified candidates to replace the General Manager who will be retiring in February, 2016. The Board is looking for a dynamic leader to continue and nurture its positive reputation and relationships with its customers.

Candidates should have a minimum of 9 years’ electric utility experience, preferably within the rural electric program, and at least 2 years’ senior management experience.

Candidates must have broad electric utility experience including such areas as operations, finance, strategic planning, team building, customer communications, and board relations.

The successful candidate will have excellent people and communications skills, proven leadership ability and a strong commitment to the “cooperative principles”.

BPPD is a political subdivision and customer-owned electric distribution utility serving Butler and western Saunders Counties. The district has 24 employees serving approximately 6,200 meters over 1,670 miles of distribution line. The district has annual revenue of approximately $18 million and a total utility plant of over $44 million. BPPD currently receives its wholesale power from NPPD via NEG&T, and Western Power Administration, it is also a member of NRECA, CFC, SEDC, and Federated Insurance.

More information about BPPD can be found at ButlerPPD.com . The deadline for a resume, 3 references and cover letter is September 25th.

Any interested party can contact me at (402) 367-3081, or at gwest@butlerppd.com Gary Westphal 1331 N. 4th Street David City, NE 68632-1107

26

ϐ ͳͺ͸Ͳ Ǥ Ǥ for as little as $395 per year yearr, we will guarantee your annual heating and cooling costs for ϐ

Ǥ ϐ ȋ Ȍ Ǥ The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that a standard new conventionally built home is rated 100. The aavverage of all our homes scored in the last two years, with conventional heating systems, had a HERS Index score of 56, 44% more energy efficient than a standard new home.

ww w. heritag ehomes ofne. com

Results of a HERS Index of 56 Nat. G as Heat Heat P ump Nat. Gas Pump Heating Heating Cooling Cooling COOL TOTAL HEAT HEAT & COOL TOTAL Hot W ater Water Ligh ts/Appliances Lights/Appliances SService ervice Charges Charges

$310 $85 $395 $148 $788 $397

$504 $91 $595 $301 $788 $234

Propane Propane $586 $85 $671 $294 $788 $234

Based on 2014/15 average natural gas at 80¢ per therm, 8¢ KWH, and $1.42 gal propane.

Note natural gas ex extra service charrge of $13.58 per month for for all 12 months

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Perfect Choice HD™ is simple to use, hard to see and easy to afford…

Invention of the Year PERSONAL SOUND AMPLIFICATION PRODUCTS (PSAPs)

New andd!

Improve re

n mo With eve nd clarity a volume!

THEY’RE NOT HEARING AIDS Personal Sound Amplification Products use advanced digital processing to amplify the frequencies of human speech. Thanks to the efforts of a doctor who leads a renowned hearing institute, this product is manufactured in an efficient production process that enables us to make it available at an affordable price.

The unit is small and lightweight enough to hide behind your ear... only you’ll know you have it on. It’s comfortable and won’t make you feel like you have something stuck in your ear. It provides high quality audio so soft sounds and distant conversations will be easier to understand.

Need an extra volume boost? Try Perfect Choice HD™ for yourself with our exclusive home trial.

SOUND QUALITY

1998 Ruffin Mill Road, Colonial Heights, VA 23834

Excellent: Optimized for speech No

ONE-ON-ONE SETUP

Free

COLOR

Please mention promotional code 100975.

Less than 1 ounce

FITTING REQUIRED?

RETURN POLICY

1-877-630-4768

Full refund of product purchase price within 60 days Silver or Beige

81036

WEIGHT

Call now toll free for our lowest price.

Nowadays, some of us take electricity for granted. But no matter where you go, you expect it to follow. And it does. It’s there because your electric co-op is here. Learn more about the power of your co-op membership at TogetherWeSave.com.

YOU’RE EVERYWHERE THESE DAYS. SO IS YOUR POWER.